Dermatology images: Lichen planus
Authors: Dirk M. Elston
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2023)

Lichen planus commonly presents with flat-topped polygonal red-to-violaceous papules with white Wickham's striae. Hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation are common (Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3, Fig 4, Fig 5, Fig 6, Fig 7, Fig 8, Fig 10, Fig 11, Fig 12, Fig 13). Advances in treatment include retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and oral immunosuppressants, including Janus kinase inhibitors.Fig 2Lichen planus: In darker skin types, hyperpigmentation is often prominent but the features noted above may also be appreciated.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 3Lichen planus: Central scarring and depigmentation may be noted when lesions have been ulcerated.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 4Inverse lichen planus involves intertriginous sites. Annular lesions are common, especially in darker skin types.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 5Lichen planus: Nail involvement may appear as rough pitted, split, or ridged nails or as pterygium.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 6Lichen planus: Nail involvement may appear as rough pitted, split, or ridged nails or as pterygium.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 7Lichen planus: Nail involvement may appear as rough pitted, split, or ridged nails or as pterygium.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 8Lichen planus: Oral lesions may be reticulated white, erosive, edematous, or ulcerative.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 9Lichen planus: Oral lesions may be reticulated white, erosive, edematous, or ulcerative.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 10Lichen planus: Oral lesions may be reticulated white, erosive, edematous, or ulcerative.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 11Lichen planus: Oral lesions may be reticulated white, erosive, edematous, or ulcerative.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 12Lichen planus: Oral lesions may be reticulated white, erosive, edematous, or ulcerative.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Fig 13Lichen planus pigmentosus exists on a spectrum with ashy dermatotosis. It may coexist with frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris, where follicular prominence may be noted.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) None disclosed. Letter from the editor: A new feature in JAAD: "Dermatology images"Journal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 90Issue 5PreviewTo the Editor: This month, JAAD introduces a new feature: "Dermatology Images." Each submission must demonstrate the full spectrum of appearance of a condition over time, by body site, and skin type, each caption should include the diagnosis and a brief description of the key diagnostic features and there should be a brief discussion of key advances in therapy. Brevity is key, as the text (exluding captions) is limited to 250 words with a maximum of 5 references. Single case reports are not suitable for this feature and should be sent to our sister journal, JAAD Case Reports. Full-Text PDF Dermatology images: Lupus erythematosusJournal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 90Issue 5PreviewLupus erythematosus (LE) presents with a wide spectrum of skin lesions, including an evanescent facial butterfly eruption that tends to be more pink-to-violaceous rather than red, and may demonstrate patulous follicles, as well as lesions on photo-exposed and sun-protected skin. Tumid lesions may persist as such or evolve into discoid lesions (Figs 1-4). Full-Text PDF